guilt

guilt · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The fact of having committed a specified or implied offense or crime.

  2. 2.

    A feeling of having done wrong or failed in an obligation.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    guilt trip — An attempt to make someone feel guilty
  • •
    guilt-ridden — Heavily burdened with feelings of guilt
  • •
    survivor's guilt — Guilt felt by those who survive a tragedy when others do not
  • •
    burden of guilt — The weight of feeling responsible for wrongdoing

Related words

Antonyms: blamelessness, innocence
See also: guilty, remorse, shame
Synonyms: blame, culpability, remorse, shame

Etymology

From Old English gylt ("crime, sin, fault, offense"), of uncertain origin. Possibly related to Old English gieldan ("to pay").